A/C installer hurts back lifting unit, sues employer

An Orange County man and his wife have filed suit against the man's employer, alleging the man seriously injured his back while trying to lift an air conditioning component.

Troy and Robin Lakey allege Troy Lakey was working for Efficient Systems on July 18, 2007, as an air-conditioning technician and installer.

As he was working at a customer's residence, Troy Lakey suffered a severe herniation of his lumbar spine, caused when he lifted a very heavy air conditioning component, according to the complaint filed July 10 in Jefferson County District Court.

Because of Troy Lakey's injury, his wife has lost his support and consortium, the suit states.

The Lakeys say Efficient Systems failed to supply Troy Lakey with a sufficient number of employees to help him lift the air-conditioning component, failed to provide adequate equipment to Troy Lakey to help him lift the equipment, failed to properly train Troy Lakey and failed to provide its employees with a safe workplace, the suit states.

The Lakeys are seeking an unspecified judgment for past and future pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical disfigurement, physical impairment, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, loss of consortium and loss of household services. They are also asking for attorney's fees, costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which they may be entitled.

They will be represented by Michael R. Ramsey and Gregory F. Cox of The Mostyn Law Firm in Beaumont and by J. Steve Mostyn of The Mostyn Law Firm in Houston.

The case has been assigned to Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: A184-480.